Image processing apparatus managing user profiles, image processing method managing user profiles, and storage medium thereof

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a holding unit means for holding setting information for every user, an input unit for inputting a print job, and an adjustment unit for specifying a user who instructs the print job according to print job information and adjusting a color image on the basis of the setting information of the specified user. Accordingly, a precise color adjustment fitting to each user can be realized by providing the profile for the color adjustment for every user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No.09/708,477, now allowed, filed Nov. 9, 2000, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an imageprocessing method for managing setting information every user, and astorage medium.

2. Related Background Art

In a conventional printer unit which applies page description language(PDL), it is general to perform printing output by receiving data withan RGB format for color designation of color data and a GRAY (grayscale) format for color designation of monochrome data, and convertingthe received data into a CMYK format.

When color conversion from the RGB format into the CMYK format isperformed, a finetuned conversion result is calculated as CMYK valuesaccording to a mechanical process of the printer unit or the printingcontent. Since this color conversion method is held in the printer unitas a previously determined conversion expression or a conversioncoefficient, this method is uniformly applied to printing data being anoutput target (or an output object).

However, an impression for the output color is different for each userand influenced by an individual fancy or desire. Furthermore, for a usersuch as an aged person or a handicapped person in color vision, thereoccurs a problem that colors hard to be discriminated or viewed by annormal output result exist.

Therefore, in case of commonly possessing the above conventional printerunit by the plural users, it was difficult to satisfy all the users withregard to color adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is applied under the consideration of the aboveconventional example and an object is to provide an image processingapparatus and a method thereof capable of performing an optimal coloradjustment every user.

An image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a holdmeans for holding setting information every user; an input means forinputting a print job; and an adjustment means for specifying a user whoinstructs the print job according to print job information and adjustinga color image on the basis of said setting in formation of the specifieduser.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross sectional diagram of an LBP (laser beam printer)according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the LBP inthe first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a printer controlsystem in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a print control procedure in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a drawing processing procedure in thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a tone adjustment processing procedure inthe first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a tint adjustment processing procedure inthe first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a density adjustment processing procedurein the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing structural examples of objects in the firstembodiment;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are diagrams showing concrete examples oftint adjustment result in the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in the firstembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the profile content inthe first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a tint adjustment processing procedurein the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing examples of sample outputs in the secondembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface in thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface in thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an E-mail to which a documentof printing target is attached;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an E-mail when a profile isset using the E-mail;

FIG. 19 is a connection diagram of apparatuses which are connected to anetwork; and

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a storage method of storing profilesof plural users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be explainedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

(Mechanical Structure)

At first, the structure of a laser beam printer (hereinafter LBP)preferable for applying the first embodiment will be described withreference to FIG. 1. It is needless to say that a printer applying thepresent embodiment is not limited to the LBP but may be a printer ofanother printing system.

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram showing the internal structure ofthe LBP to which the present embodiment is applied. This LBP canregister character patterns from a source of data (not shown) and afixed style font (form data). In FIG. 1, numeral 1000 denotes an LBPmain body, to which character information (character code) supplied froma host computer connected to an external, form information and a macrocommand are input to be stored into the LBP, where correspondingcharacter patterns and form patterns are produced according to the aboveinformation, and an image is formed onto a recording sheet being arecording medium. Numeral 1012 denotes an operation panel (unit), whereswitches used for operations, an LED display unit and the like arearranged. Numeral 1001 denotes a printer control unit which entirelycontrols the LBP 1000 and analyzes the character information or the likesupplied from the host computer.

The printer control unit 1001 converts mainly the character informationinto a video signal of character patterns which correspond to thecharacter information, then outputs the video signal to a laser driver1002. The laser driver 1002 is a circuit for driving a semiconductorlaser unit 1003 and performs an ON/OFF switching operation of a laserbeam 1004 irradiated from the semiconductor laser unit 1003corresponding to the input video signal. The laser beam 1004 isreflected to the right and left directions by a rotative polygon mirror1005 to scan a surface of an electrostatic drum 1106. Accordingly, anelectrostatic latent image of the character patterns is formed onto theelectrostatic drum 1006. This latent image is developed by a developingunit 1007 around the electrostatic drum 1006, thereafter, it istransferred onto the recording sheet. As the recording sheet, a cutsheet is used. The cut sheet (recording sheet) is stored in a sheetcassette 1008 installed in the LBP 1000 and is taken inside the LBP mainbody by a feed roller 1009 and carriage rollers 1010 and 1011 to besupplied to the electrostatic drum 1006.

(Functional Structure)

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the aboveLBP 1000.

In FIG. 2, numeral 2000 denotes a host computer, which is connected tothe LBP 1000, outputs printing information constituted by printing dataand control codes to the LBP 1000.

The LBP 1000 is roughly composed of a formatter control unit 1100, aninterface unit 1200, an output control unit 1300 and a printer engineunit 1400.

The formatter control unit 1100 is composed of a reception buffer 1101,a command discrimination unit 1102, a command analysis unit 1103, acommand execution unit 1104, a page memory 1105 and a tone control unit1106.

The reception buffer 1101 is storage means for temporally storing theprinting information received from the host computer 2000. The commanddiscrimination unit 1102 discriminates each print control command. Theprinting data is analyzed in the command analysis unit 1103corresponding to the each command. The command analysis unit 1103analyzes the each print control command. The command analyzed in thecommand analysis unit 1103 is in an intermediate result of performing ananalysis of the printing data and is converted into an intermediate codeformat of more executable in the command execution unit 1104.

In the command discrimination unit 1102, when it is discriminated thatthe print control command is such a command of accompanying an expansioninto the intermediate code format such as characters and figures, acolor attribute is controlled in the tone control unit 1106. The tonecontrol unit 1106 converts a designated color into the optimal color fora user who executed printing processing.

In the command execution unit 1104, the each command is executed by theabove intermediate code, and the commands regarding drawing and printingare sequentially expanded into the page memory 1105.

Generally, the formatter control unit 1100 is composed of a computersystem which employs a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like.

The output control unit 1300 converts the content of the page memory1105 into a video signal to transfer image data to the printer engineunit 1400. The printer engine unit 1400 is a printing mechanism portionfor forming a permanent visible image onto the recording sheet based onthe received video signal.

(System Structure)

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a printer controlsystem for controlling the LBP 100 in the present embodiment. It isneedless to say that the present invention is applicable to a singleequipment, a system composed of plural equipments or a system forexecuting processing through a network such as a LAN (Local AreaNetwork) or the like, if the function of the present embodiment isexecuted.

In FIG. 3, the host computer 2000 has a CPU 1 which executes wordprocessing of mixedly containing various target information to beprocessed such as figures, images, characters, tables (includescalculation in tables) and the like on the basis of a word processingprogram stored into a program ROM in a ROM 3. Each device connected to asystem bus 4 is entirely controlled by the CPU 1. A control program orthe like of the CPU 1 is stored into the program ROM in the ROM 3, fontdata or the like used in the above word processing is stored into a fontROM in the ROM 3 and various data used in case of executing the aboveword processing or the like is stored into a data ROM in the ROM 3. ARAM 2 functions as a main memory of the CPU 1, a work area or the like.

Numeral 5 denotes a key board controller (KBC) which controls keyinputting from a key board 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Numeral 6denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls displaying of a CRTdisplay (CRT) 10. Numeral 7 denotes a memory controller (MC) whichcontrols accessing to an external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) forstoring a boot program, various application software, font data, userfiles, editing files and the like, a floppy disk (FD) or the like.Numeral 8 denotes a printer controller (PRTC) which is connected to theprinter 1060 through a predetermined interactive interface (interface)21 and executes control processing of a communication with the printer1000.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, expansion (rasterize) processing of anoutline font to display information set on the RAM 2 so as to realize anWYSIWYG (user interface of “what you see is what you get”) on the CRT10. Also, the CPU 1 opens various registered windows on the basis ofcommands instructed by use of a mouse cursor (not shown) or the like onthe CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

In the LBP 1000, numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU which overall controlsaccessing to various devices connected to a system bus 15 on the basisof a control program or the like stored into a program ROM in a ROM 13or a control program or the like stored into an external memory 14 andoutputs an image signal as output information to a printing unit(printer engine) 17 connected through a printing unit interface 16.Further, a control program or the like of the CPU 12 as indicated in alater-described flow chart may be stored into the program ROM in the ROM13. Font data or the like to be used in case of producing the aboveoutput information is stored into a font ROM in the ROM 13. In a casethat the external memory 14 such as a hard disk or the like is notprepared, information or the like to be utilized on the host computer2000 is stored into a data ROM in the ROM 13.

The CPU 12 is in a state capable of communicating with the host computerthrough an input unit 18 and is structured that information or the likein the LBP 1000 can be notified to the host computer 2000. Numeral 19denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory of the CPU 12, a workarea or the like and is structured that memory capacity can be expandedby an optional RAM which is connected to an increased port (not shown).It should be noted that the RAM 19 is used for an output informationexpansion area, an environmental data storage area, an NVRAM(non-volatile RAM) or the like. The above external memory 14 such as thehard disk (HD), an IC card or the like is controlled to access theprinter control unit by a memory controller (MC) 20. The optionallyconnected external memory 14 stores font data, an emulation program,form data or the like.

Numeral 18 denotes the input unit, where switches used for an operationperformed in the above operation panel 1012, the LED display unit andthe like are arranged.

It should be noted that the above external memory is not limited to onepiece but at least one or more pieces may be provided. That is, it maybe structured that plural external memories which stores an optionalfont card in addition to the built-in font and a program capable ofreading a printer language of different language system can be connectedto the printer. Further, it may be structured that the printer has anNVRAM (not shown) to store printer mode setting information suppliedaccording, to an instruction from the operation panel 1012.

(Printing Control Procedure)

Next, the printing control procedure in the LBP 1000 constituted by theabove structure will be described with reference to flow charts shown inFIGS. 4 to 8.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing main processing executed in the LBP 1000from a start of operation to the end of operation.

At first, in a step S401, the printing data transmitted from the hostcomputer 2000 is received and it is stored into the reception buffer1101. Next, in a step S402, the printing data stored into the receptionbuffer is read out. Then, drawing processing is executed in a step S403.Thereafter, in a step S404, it is judged whether or not a printing endinstruction is received, or the printing data is in an end status. Ifthe printing end, the printing operation ends. However, if not theprinting end, the processing from the step S401 is repeated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the detail of the drawing processing inthe step S403 shown in FIG. 4. This drawing processing is processing ofexecuting an actual printing.

At first, in a step S501, it is checked whether or not data to beprocessed is a discharge instruction in the command analysis unit 1103.If it is the discharge instruction, the flow advances to a step S506,and if it is not the discharge instruction, the flow advances to a stepS502, where it is judged whether or not the analyzed data is a commandof accompanying expansion processing to the page memory, such ascharacter printing, figure drawing or the like.

In case of not executing the expansion processing in the step S502, theflow advances to a step S505, where the command is immediately executed.However, in case of executing the expansion processing, the flowadvances to a step S509, where tone adjustment processing is executed.Thereafter, in a step S503, an intermediate code being a format ofsimplifying a command execution is generated. In a step S504, theexpansion processing to the page memory 1105 is executed in the commandexecution unit 1104 upon receiving the intermediate code. Afterterminating the expansion processing, the flow returns to the step S402shown in FIG. 4 to repeat data analysis processing.

On the other hand, in the step S501, if it is judged that the data to beprocessed is the discharge instruction, the flow advances to the stepS506, where the content of the page memory 1105 is converted into thevideo signal for the printer engine unit 1400 in the output control unit1300 to perform a transference output of the image data. In a step S507,the printer engine unit 1400 forms the permanent visible image onto therecording sheet based on the received video signal, thereby performingthe printing. Then, in a step S508, a sheet of the printed result isdischarged, thereby terminating printing control processing per onepage.

(Tone Adjustment Processing)

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the detail of the tone adjustmentprocessing in the step S509 shown in FIG. 5. This processing isprocessing of giving the optimal tone adjustment for the user whoexecuted the printing processing.

At first, in a step S601, a user name of a printing job is obtained. Theuser name of the printing job is transferred from the host computer 2000when it is started to transfer the printing data, and is previouslystored into a memory such as the NVRAM or the like.

Here, a profile every each user is previously registered into the NVRAM,and the user name every the profile is obtained in a step S602. In astep S603, the user name is sequentially compared with user namesobtained according to the printing job.

In a step S604, it is judged whether or not a profile having a user namecoincided with the user name of the printing job exists. If the aboveprofile does not exist, processing is terminated as it is. In this case,a designated color is output as it is.

On the other hand, in the step S604, if the profile having the coincideduser name exists, the flow advances to a step S605, where the color of aprinting target (or a printing object) is obtained. If the color of theobject is designated by the RGB format in a step S606, the flow advancesto a step S607, where tint adjustment processing is executed. However,if the color is not designated by the RGB format, that is, the color isdesignated by the gray scale (GRAY) format, the flow advances to a stepS608, where density adjustment processing is executed.

Next, one example of a method for obtaining the user name of theprinting job performed in the step S601 will be described with referenceto FIG. 17.

As a method of automatically notifying the user name to an executingperson (user) of the printing processing as an attribute of the jobwithout recognizing the own user name, a method of notifying the username by use of a mail address is prepared. For example, in a case wherea document of the printing target is attached to a received E-mail, itis possible to perform the notification by transferring the E-mail tothe printer.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of an applicationsoftware (hereinafter, referred as mailer) for transmitting andreceiving E-mails. This user transfers the received E-mail to a printeraddress represented by “prn01@mydomain.mycompany.com” (portion ofsending To: in FIG. 17). Since a sender address (portion of sendingFrom: in FIG. 17) is rewritten to a transmitter address when the E-mailis transferred, the printer can specify the user name referring thesender's mail address.

Generally, in an office, since almost the network equipments physicallylocated in near portions are connected to the same domain, in case ofactually transferring the E-mail to the printer, a character column tobe typed by the user is satisfied by inputting only the “prn01”, therebysaving a work.

(Details of Object)

The structure of the above object will be described with reference toFIG. 9.

In FIG. 9, numeral 901 denotes an object management table for managingobjects in the same page. In the object management table 901, variouskinds of descriptions related to character columns (string char),polygons (polygon fill), rectangles (box fill), images and the like arewritten, and each of tables denoted by reference symbols (a) to (h) islinked to each of the above descriptions. Each of the tables (a) to (h)is linked to each of objects 902 to 909 in which descriptions ofattributes such as drawing position, size, external form and the likeare written. As one of these information, a description of colorinformation designated by the RGB format or a density value based on thegray scale (GRAY) format is written. The objects 902 to 909 arerepresented by the intermediate code format after performing a commandanalysis.

For example, a color designated in the object 902 is expressed byRGB=(500, 0, 100) and a color designated in the object 903 is expressedby a gray value=(845).

(Tint Adjustment Processing)

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the detail of the tint adjustmentprocessing in the step S607 shown in FIG. 6. This processing isprocessing of adjusting the color designated by the RGB format.

At first, in a step S701, a profile of corresponding the user isobtained from the NVRAM. Next, in a step S702, it is judged whether ornot an adjustment is performed for a value of red (R).

In the present embodiment, for example, in case of not performing anyadjustment for the value R, a value “zero” is set as an initial value.On the other hand, if any adjustment is performed for the value R, forexample, a value such as “+10”, “−20” or the like is set. This valueindicates a percentage when the value R is additionally adjusted.

In the step S702, if the value R is adjusted, the value R is to beadjusted in a step S703 according to the following expression.R=R×αRwhere, αR=(100+R setting value in profile)/100

Namely, in a case where a color designation in the object is expressedby R=100, if the value “+10” is set in the profile, the tint of the red(R) is converted into a status expressed by R=110.

On the other hand, in the step S702, if the value R is not adjusted, theflow advances to a step S704 as it is without executing processing tothe R (red).

Hereafter, after executing the same processing as that for the red (R)to green (G) and blue (B), the processing is terminated (steps S704 toS707).

(User Interface)

An example of the user interface for adjusting the profile in thepresent embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example on the display unit atthe operation panel 1012. An adjustment method of a profile of whichuser name is “yamamoto” will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11, “yamamoto” is displayed in the most upper column asthe user name, “color adjustment” is displayed in a second column as amenu item, “red (R)” is displayed in a third column as a setting itemand “+30” is displayed in the most lower column as a setting value. Inthe most lower column, with respect to arrow marks displayed on the leftand right sides, the value is increased by depressing a right arrow keyprovided on the operation panel 1012 and the value is decreased bydepressing a left arrow key on the operation panel 1012.

This value display is similarly displayed regarding colors of “green(G)” and “blue (B)” by changing the setting item in the third column,and the user can rewrite an own profile by setting a desired adjustmentvalue for each item.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the profile contentrelated to the user name “yamamoto” at the operation panel 1012. Theprofile content can be displayed at an arbitrary timing according to apanel operation performed by the user.

Next, an example of setting the profile using the E-mail from the hostcomputer side will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a displayexample of the mailer similar to the case in FIG. 17.

In this case, it is instructed that the value of green is increased by“30” according to one line starting with “#color-adjust:” being aninitial text of the E-mail, and the instruction is transmitted to theprinter of which address is “prn01”. In this way, it is possible toadjust the profile without using the operation panel by describing anadjustment of the profile to a mail text according to a previouslydetermined format. In this case, the printer reads that the linestarting with the “#color-adjust” means to designate a profileadjustment, and the profile adjustment can be realized only adding meansfor writing an instructed value into the NVRAM.

Further, an example of holding method of holding the profiles of pluralusers is shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a connection diagram ofapparatuses connected to a network, through which the one printer unit1000 is connected to three units of host computers 3000 a to 3000 c. Thethree host computers are used by each of three users whose user namesare respectively “Suzuki”, “yamamoto” and “sato”.

Here, it is assumed that both users “Suzuki” and “sato” perform theprinting operation without adjusting the profiles. In this case, theprofiles of performing the printing operation of which user names are“suzuki@ . . . ” and “sato@ . . . ” are produced. Namely, initial valueprofiles are produced for each of the above user names. Next, if theuser “yamamoto” gives an adjustment instruction of increasing the valueof green by “30”, a profile of which user name is “yamamoto@ . . . ” isproduced, wherein the value “30” is added to the value of G (green) andthe added result is stored into the NVRAM.

In this manner, each user name and corresponding profile values of R, Gand B are stored into the NVRAM in the printer 1000 as shown in FIG. 20.In the next printing processing, the profile value coincided with theuser name is referred.

(Density Adjustment Processing)

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the detail of the density adjustmentprocessing in the step S608 shown in FIG. 6. This processing isprocessing of adjusting the color (density) designated by the GRAYformat.

At first, in a step S801, the profile of corresponding the user isobtained from the NVRAM. Next, in a step S802, it is judged whether ornot a density value (dens) is adjusted.

In the present embodiment, in case of not performing any adjustment forthe density value, a value “zero” is set (dens=0) as an initial value.On the other hand, if any adjustment is performed for the density value,e.g., the value such as “+10”, “−20” or the like is set as the dens.This value indicates a percentage when the density value is additionallyadjusted.

In the step S802, if the density value is adjusted, a Gray value is tobe adjusted in a step S803 according to the following expression.Gray=Gray×αGraywhere, αGray=(100+dens setting value in profile)/100

That is, in a case that a color designation in the object is expressedby Gray=100, if the value “+10” is set in the profile, the density isconverted into a status expressed by Gray=110.

On the other hand, in the step S802, if the density value is notadjusted, processing is terminated as it is without executing theprocessing to the Gray.

(Concrete Examples of Printing Results)

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are diagrams showing printing examples inthe present embodiment. Numerals 101 and 102 in FIGS. 10A and 10Brespectively denote the printing result of objects which are a redellipsoid and a green character column.

Here, in case of performing a printing operation of superimposing theobject 101 on the object 102, visible condition of a user handicapped incolor vision is considered.

FIG. 10C schematically shows visible condition when the profile is notadjusted, that is, the printing output is performed on the basis of aninitial value color. Since the color of the object 101 (red ellipsoid)can not be discriminated from the color of the object 102 (greencharacter column), it is understood that the character can not berecognized.

FIG. 10D schematically shows visible condition when the printing outputis performed by increasing especially the value of green according tothe profile adjustment in the present embodiment. By this adjustment,since the object 101 is discriminated from the object 102, these objectscan be recognized.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a precise coloradjustment fitting to each user can be realized by providing the profilefor the color adjustment every user.

It should be noted that the user name is not limited to a mail addressof a sender in the E-mail but may be, in case of commonly possessing theprinter on a LAN (Local Area Network), a log-in name, a host name, an IPaddress of TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) orthe like.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention willbe described. Since the structure of apparatuses and main processing orthe like thereof are same as those which are described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 5 in the above first embodiment, the description will beomitted.

In the above first embodiment, an example that a user directly sets aprofile value by an operation on the operation panel 1012 has beendescribed. However, for a user who does not acquaint with color setting,it is not easy to set an optimal value for each color. Therefore, in thesecond embodiment, it is characterized that the user selects desiredcolor among sample outputs, thereby automatically performing a profileadjustment. Similar to a test printing (status print) function built inan ordinary printer, the sample output in the second embodiment isperformed by the operation on the operation panel 1012.

(Sample Output)

Examples of the sample outputs in the second embodiment are shown inFIG. 14. Setting examples of four samples respectively indicated bynumerals 1 to 4 are shown in FIG. 14. As each of samples, circles areformed by respective colors of red (R), green (G) and blue (B) of whichsaturation differs every each sample. For example, the sample 1sequentially indicates three colors of (RGB=1000, 0, 0), (RGB=0, 1000,0) and (RGB=0, 0, 1000) in the order from the left side. In the sample2, only the red ratio in the sample 1 is decreased by ten percent. Thatis, the sample 2 sequentially indicates three colors of (RGB=900, 0, 0),(RGB=0, 1000, 0) and (RGB=0, 0, 1000) in the order from the left side.Similarly, in the sample 3, only the green ratio in the sample 1 isdecreased by ten percent. That is, the sample 3 sequentially indicatesthree colors of (RGB=1000, 0, 0), (RGB=0, 900, 0) and (RGB=0, 0, 1000)in the order from the left side. Also, similarly, in the sample 4, onlythe blue ratio in the sample 1 is decreased by ten percent. That is, thesample 4 sequentially indicates three colors of (RGB=1000, 0, 0),(RGB=0, 1000, 0) and (RGB=0, 0, 900) in the order from the left side.

The sample outputs shown in FIG. 14 can be output at an arbitrary timingby the operation instructed from the operation panel 1012. Therefore,the user can select the optimal sample number (any of 1, 2, 3 and 4)after confirming an optimal color adjustment by own eyes among thesample outputs at a desired timing.

Of course, the sample outputs in the second embodiment are not limitedto the examples shown in FIG. 14, but may be any output format capableof detecting a color adjustment value from sample images. Furthermore,for example, a halftone color may be used.

(User Interface)

The sample number selected by the user as above mentioned is input bythe operation panel 1012. Now, the user interface when the selectedsample number is input will be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example on a display unit at theoperation panel 1012 and a state of inputting the sample number selectedby a user “yamamoto”. As shown in FIG. 15, “yamamoto” is displayed inthe most upper column as a user name, the “sample number” is displayedin a second column as a menu item and the number indicating the samplenumber to be selected is displayed in a third column. With respect toarrow marks displayed on the left and right sides of the third column,the value is increased by depressing a right arrow key provided on theoperation panel 1012 and the value is decreased by depressing a leftarrow key on the operation panel 1012.

The user can select a desired sample number by arbitrarily setting thevalue in the third column.

Next, the user interface when the user name is selected will bedescribed. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example when the username is selected at the operation panel 1012. As shown in FIG. 16, “username selection” is displayed in the most upper column as a menu item andthe user name is displayed in the second column. With respect to arrowmarks displayed on the left and right sides of the second column, theuser name is changed every depression of the right and left arrow keysprovided on the operation panel 1012. Therefore, the user can easilyselect an own user name.

(Profile Adjustment)

Next, an example of the profile adjustment using the above sample outputin the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the detail of tint adjustment processingin the step S607 shown in FIG. 6. This processing is processing ofadjusting the color designated by an RGB format.

At first, in a step S1301, RGB values of a sample selected by the userare obtained. The RGB values of the sample output in the secondembodiment are previously stored into a program ROM. Next, in a stepS1302, the percentage of an adjustment range is calculated on the basisof the obtained RGB values. For example, if the second sample shown inFIG. 14 is selected, the RGB values thereof are (RGB=900, 0, 0). Here,since an initial value of the R is “1000”, the percentage to becalculated is expressed as follows.(1−900/1000)×100=+10%

Thereafter, the flow advances to a step S1303, where this value isstored into a user profile stored in an NVRAM.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, any user caneasily set a desired color adjustment at an arbitrarily timing.

In the above each embodiment, an example of performing the coloradjustment based on the RGB format and the gray scale (GRAY) format hasbeen described. However, the present invention is not limited to thiscase, but may be applicable to another color-expression format such asan L*a*b* format, Luv format or the like.

An example of performing the profile adjustment by inputting aninstruction from the operation panel 1012 has been described. However,this instruction input may be performed by the print control command

Although an example of setting the color adjustment in the profile byuse of an expression of the percentage has been described, setting byuse of an expression of the absolute value may be applicable if thecolor adjustment can be performed by that value.

Furthermore, it may be constituted that the user can select availabilityor unavailability of a profile setting.

As above, the present invention has been explained with reference to thepreferred embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothis, and various modifications are possible within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

1. An image printing apparatus comprising: storage means for storinguser profiles for a plurality of users, the user profiles containinginformation for adjusting the output of a print job; input means forinputting the print job, the print job containing a plurality ofprinting objects; and adjustment means for specifying a user whoinstructs the print job according to print job information and adjustingan object of the plurality of printing objects on the basis of a userprofile from the user profiles, the user profile corresponding to thespecified user, wherein an E-mail to which a document of a printingtarget is attached, is sent and input to said image printing apparatusas the print job, and wherein said adjustment means specifies the useraccording to a sender address of the E-mail.
 2. An apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said adjustment means performs tone adjustment foreach printing object.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein saidadjustment means performs tint adjustment if the printing object is acolor object and performs density adjustment if the object is amonochrome object.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theuser profile holds a value for every color component.
 5. An apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the profile holds a ratio for a referencevalue for each color component.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 4,wherein the representation of the color components depends on an RGBformat and a gray scale format.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising instruction input means for inputting a userinstruction used for updating the user profile content.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 7, further comprising display means for displayingthe content of the user profile.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising output means for outputting the print job processedby said adjustment means.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9, whereinsaid output means forms a visible image on a recording medium.
 11. Anapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: output means foroutputting plural sample images which indicate different coloradjustment results; and selection means for selecting one sample imagefrom among the plural sample images, wherein the content of the userprofile is updated on the basis of the selected sample image.
 12. Animage printing method comprising the steps of: storing in storage meansuser profiles of a plurality of users, the user profiles containinginformation for adjusting the output of a print job; inputting the printjob, the print job containing a plurality of printing objects; andspecifying a user who instructs the print job according to print jobinformation and adjusting an object of the plurality of printing objectson the basis of a user profile from the user profiles, the user profilecorresponding to the specified user, wherein an E-mail to which adocument of a printing target is attached, is sent and input to saidimage printing apparatus as the print job, and wherein said adjustmentstep specifies the user according to a sender address of the E-mail.